Mindfulness – Reconnect with Your Strengths and Joys

Nancy Behney, Mindfulness Teacher

Informational Orientation for interested participants

Sunday, Jan 12 | 1 - 2 p.m. | Free

Seven Week Series | $300

6 Weeks of Classes | Sundays, Jan 19 - Feb 23 | 1 - 3 p.m.  

Cumulative Mindful Retreat | Sunday, Mar 2 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Clinical studies have shown that mindfulness can decrease anxiety, stress and worry.  This 6-week course, based on the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction curriculum, supports our natural ability to connect with the present moment. Learn how cultivating the practice of mindfulness can lead to a more joyful, meaningful and beneficial life. Mindfulness can help to clarify your values and purpose, and live with a greater sense of belonging and connection. Join the journey to resilience and strengthen your ability to cope with short- and long-term stress.

The course includes instruction on mindfulness practices, including body scan, sitting meditation, walking meditation, and mindful movement – including yoga and QiGong, as well as guided meditation recordings to support home practice.

Over the course of 6 weeks the following topics will be covered:

• Awareness of our mental habits that can cause emotional reactivity and anxiety
• Mindful eating and our relationship with food
• The role of perception, how we view pleasant and unpleasant events
• Physiology of stress
• Reactivity vs. responding with mindfulness
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Obstacles to feeling more joy in our lives
• How we meet conflict
• Developing warmth and compassion towards ourselves and others
• The importance of self-care

All interested program participants must attend the free orientation session on January 12 from 1-2pm or if unable to attend, please let the Gardens staff know and the teacher will contact you directly.  Since this is a bigger time and financial commitment it’s important for everyone to know what is involved and what is expected, so please include this class in your plans.